As the Class of 2008 leaves Tufts amid a frenzy of exams, job searches and final merrymaking, post-graduation blues will inevitably set in soon. But don't despair! These summer movie blockbusters will be sure to bring back fond Tufts memories.
"Speed Racer" (May 9): If only the Joey could move this fast. Imagine that little white bus making its way to Davis when you check out the Wachowski brothers' adaptation of the Japanese anime series. Emile Hirsch, John Goodman and Christina Ricci round out the car-racing cast, and it should be interesting to see the makers of the "Matrix" trilogy tackle a family film.
"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (May 16): Having been through the struggle of fitting 18 years' worth of belongings into a tiny dorm closet, any Tufts student is sure to identify with the awe and wonder these kids experience when they find an entire world in a wardrobe. The second installment of the series follows the Pevensie children in their return to Narnia, where they help overthrow an evil king and restore the rightful heir to the throne.
"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (May 22): Doesn't every archaeology major wish their studies abroad could have been this full of adventure? Continuing the slew of sequels hitting theaters this summer, Steven Spielberg presents the fourth "Indy" film. Prepare to be impressed by the persistent, 64-year-old Harrison Ford, accompanied by Shia LaBeouf, as they battle villainous Soviets (including Cate Blanchett) for treasured artifacts.
"Sex and the City: The Movie" (May 30): Boston's no NYC, but what will Tufts graduates do without Newbury Street shopping? Catch the highly anticipated big-screen debut of the popular television series with the dynamic foursome of Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. Rumor has it we'll learn Mr. Big's full name, find out about a pregnancy and maybe even (gasp!) a death. But we know you'll only be watching the shoes anyway.
"The Happening" (June 13): Remember that environmental biology class you took to fulfill a distribution credit? You will once you see M. Night Shyamalan's newest creepy bedtime story. This time, Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel flee from a strange environmental phenomenon that causes all of humanity to attempt suicide. Shyamalan has his own take on the effects of global warming, though we're sure Al Gore will have something to say about it. To add to the spooky factor, "The Happening" will be released on Friday the 13th.
"The Incredible Hulk" (June 13): Who could forget the epic struggles for the last elliptical in Cousens Gym? But bulking up at Tufts doesn't compare to the mean, green Hulk. Yes, this film was done in 2003 with Eric Bana, but the second attempt hopes to make up for the first flop, with Edward Norton as the Hulk. (He was originally turned down for the first film.)
"Get Smart" (June 20): The title says it all, as we hope this is the result of anyone spending four years at a university. Hopefully, those years of research papers and problem sets won't leave graduates as hapless as Maxwell Smart (played by Steve Carell), alias Agent 86. Aided by Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), his antics will prove entertaining in this film adaptation of the 1960s spy parody TV series.
"The Love Guru" (June 20): Admit it - you'll all miss the controversy sparked by the Daily's infamous sex columnists. If you're craving some romantic advice, check out Mike Myers in "The Love Guru." With an outrageous Scottish/Indian accent, he sets out to solve the relationship troubles of a star hockey player whose girlfriend was seduced by his rival (Justin Timberlake). And Myers himself has his eye on the owner of the hockey team, played by Jessica Alba.
"Wall-E" (June 27): Engineers, rejoice. You're sure to love the latest Pixar-Disney collaboration, an animated sci-fi about an adorable robot left to clean up Earth after consumerism makes the planet an uninhabitable dump. He also falls in love with another robot, adding even more to the cute factor. Not to give away too much, but let's just say that sparks will fly.
"Mamma Mia!" (July 18): No doubt seniors will miss the various Balch Arena Theater productions and impromptu musical numbers belted in any dorm with drama majors, so this summer's "Mamma Mia!" should provide the perfect fix. The Broadway production makes its way to the big screen with a star-studded cast of Colin Firth, Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. With a wedding, ABBA songs and breathtaking Greek islands, this one can be nothing but fun.
"The Dark Knight" (July 18): Tufts is all about active citizenship, and if there's one guy who knows how to save the world, it's Batman. Consider "The Dark Knight" a peace and justice study; Christian Bale is back as the winged hero and is pitted against the late Heath Ledger as the Joker. Ledger's performance as everyone's least favorite clown is expected to be frighteningly incredible, though bittersweet.
"The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" (Aug. 1): All-nighters during finals week made us all feel like the walking dead. Far more exciting than late-night study in the reading room, however, is Brendan Frasier's third tussle with ancient leaders escaped from their sarcophagi. The scene shifts from Egypt to the Far East, where Jet Li is an angry emperor mummy set on world domination.
